NEW DELHI: In 2023, nearly 30.5 lakh cases of dog bites were reported, resulting in the deaths of 286 people, the government informed Parliament on Tuesday.
“According to data from the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme implemented by the health ministry, 30,43,339 cases of dog bites were reported during 2023.
During the year, 286 persons died due to dog bites,” said Rajiv Ranjan Singh, the Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, in a written reply to the Lok Sabha.
The National Centre for Disease Control reported that 46.5 lakh anti-rabies shots were administered for dog bite cases in 2023.
The health ministry has been implementing the National Rabies Control Programme since the 12th Five-Year Plan across all states and Union Territories, except for Andaman and Lakshadweep, to prevent and control rabies in the country.
“The Centre is providing funds to state governments under the Assistance to States for Control of Animal Diseases program. State governments can also utilize these funds for rabies vaccination,” Singh added.
